OMAHA, Neb., Nov. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- G.I. Jobs named Union Pacific Railroad one of America's top military-friendly employers for 2014, marking the 11th time in 12 years that one of the nation's premier career guides for military job seekers recognized Union Pacific. Selections are based on the strength of a company's military initiatives or events, the percentage of new hires with prior military service, and company policies on National Guard and military reserve service. This year, Union Pacific is ranked second on the list, up 11 spots from last year.

"We are incredibly proud to employ military veterans," said Roy Schroer, vice president, Union Pacific Human Resources. "Military training instills dedication and a goal-oriented work ethic that translates very well to the railroad. We regularly seek out transitioning military service members in our recruiting efforts, and our veteran population continues to increase."

So far this year, Union Pacific has hired nearly 800 military veterans, including 91 disabled veterans. These veterans make up approximately 25 percent of all new hires in 2013. Overall, veterans comprise approximately 20 percent of Union Pacific's workforce, and 24 percent of Union Pacific's hires in the last five years have been veterans.

The railroad's progressive reservist policy, which compensates all employees for any difference between military and company pay for employees called to duty and continues to provide health plan benefits for dependents when employees are deployed, is one example of how Union Pacific supports its reserve, active duty and veteran employees and their families.

Another example is UPVETS, a Union Pacific employee resource group devoted to attracting, developing and retaining employees who are military veterans.

Leadership and teamwork skills, wide ranging areas of expertise gained during their service, familiarity with nontraditional working hours and experience working outdoors make military personnel valuable to Union Pacific.

The railroad actively recruits veterans through its involvement with military transition offices, military education offices, reserve and National Guard units, career fairs, information sessions, employer panels, resume review assistance and by serving on local military committees and boards.

Union Pacific frequently is recognized for its commitment to military veterans. The company received the inaugural Hiring Our Heroes Award for Post 9/11 Veteran Employment and Internships from the National Chamber Foundation; G.I. Jobs has named Union Pacific a top military friendly employer 10 times; Military Times ranked the company 5th in its 2013 list of "Best for Vets" Employers; and Union Pacific was one of just three companies selected to the Platinum category by Military Times EDGE as a Best for Vets Employer. The company is a member of the Army Reserve's Employee Partnership Initiative, supports the Army Partnership for Youth Success program, and is a past recipient of both the Freedom Award, the U.S. government's highest employer recognition, and the Military Officers Association of America Distinguished Service Award.

About Union PacificUnion Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP). One of America's most recognized companies, Union Pacific Railroad links 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail, providing a critical link in the global supply chain. From 2007-2012, Union Pacific invested $18 billion in its network and operations to support America's transportation infrastructure, including a record $3.7 billion in 2012. The railroad's diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Coal, Industrial Products and Intermodal. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers, operates from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways. Union Pacific provides value to its roughly 10,000 customers by delivering products in a safe, reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible manner.